Hey look, another chapter?

-In which Cami fights her feelings for Elijah, Elijah and Marietta have a heart to heart, and Cami suggests they make a stop when they find themselves in Tennessee

or

In which this is a two parter, and life moves on-

I'm Tired of This Town Again

"Viva la Tennessee. " Elijah waved his hand, and Marietta moved to put her head between Cami and Elijah's.

"Which part?" She asked mid yawn, and Elijah just shook his head.

"Paris, I think." Cami said, checking her phone and then nodding in affirmation. "You know, while we're here, we should visit Hayley and Jackson."

"How far is Cambrige from Athens?"

"About a couple hours south." Marietta told him, sitting back in her seat. "We should stop in Nashville, though, so I can show y'all the sights."

"I've been to Nashville." Elijah said.

"I have not." Cami countered, and he tilted his head over to give her a small smile.

"Nashville it is, then."

/

Klaus presented Cami with a box on her work desk. She gave him an embarrassed smile before asking, "What's this?"

"A present for our anniversary." Klaus said proudly. Cami's eyebrows shot up, but she took the box and opened it up. It was a small pendant with a blue stone in it. Cami gave a small gasp, her eyes lighting up.

"This is beautiful!" She stands up and reaches over to give him a kiss, and his smile is as bright as the sun.

"Not compared to your ring, my love."

"Well, it's a big rock. Engagement rings tend to be like that. This? A small but thoughtful gift just shows how much you know me." She gave him another kiss and turned around to let Klaus put the necklace on her.

She couldn't have asked for a better soulmate.

/

"I never thought I would see the Grand Ole' Opry. I can say I lived." Cami's grin was huge as she wrapped her arms around Marietta.

"There's so much you still have to see in the world, Camille." She told her, looking over at Elijah. He winked back at her.

"Yeah. Well, I'm simple, so the whole world isn't an issue. Honestly? I'm just ready to get back to the hotel. " Cami yawned, putting her head on top of Marietta's.

/

Elijah sat down in a chair on the balcony. Marietta joined him, leaning over the rail to see the city.

"I didn't think I'd ever get to see you again." Her voice was low, still staring out onto the city. Elijah moved to stand right beside her, also taking in the sights.

"Me either. For years I thought you were dead. Dead, Marietta. Niklaus thought the same and he agonized over your falling out."

"Sorry." She whispered, resting her head on her arms, "Had I known we were actually going to loose him, I would have just stopped dragging my feet and just apologized. I was stubborn."

"You loved him." He pointed out, his hand light on her arm. She straightened up and looked at Elijah.

"I did. Mostly as a friend, but I did." Marietta's laugh became bitter, "But here I am, having feelings for you and Cami. Two of the people he loved the most. I'm a real jerk."

"No." Elijah whispered, "No, you aren't. He loved you too. We love you, Etta. " His hand came to cup her face and she leaned into it.

"But you are in love with Cami, or was I wrong in that?" Marietta whispered, and Elijah stilled.

"No, you aren't wrong." Marietta gave him a look, one of knowing.

"You haven't exactly been hiding it, Elijah. Maybe to her, but you don't have anyone else fooled. Which is funny because you are drowning in guilt."

"I always hated your ability to read me." Elijah brought his hand down and looked away.

"There was a point, Etta, where I was trying to- how do I put this- transfer feelings onto you that I started having for her, thinking that maybe, if we-"

"I know." She tilted her head at him, "I knew. You don't like me like you like her. I played along for your sake, but my feelings are my feelings. I love you both and I just want you both to be happy. I wish I could have been that person for you, that you would have fallen for, because I know that would be easier for you. If you want to stay with me, that's your choice. But you and her? Deserve real happiness."

"I love you."
"I know." She softly chuckled, leaning up to kiss him. He kissed her back, lightly. Before she leaves the patio, she gives him one last look.

"He wouldn't hate you, either."

/

The ride to Cambrige was quite, sullen. Cami doesn't want this to happen, she found. She wanted them to be a group forever, she grew attached.

Elijah kept sending furtive looks her way, and reached over, hesitantly, to grab her hand. She held onto it lightly. There was going to be stormy ride ahead for them. Cami had feelings for Elijah. This is something she had come to terms with. Now they were sending their closest friend on her way and visiting the love of Elijah's life.

It was enough to put her in a terrible mood.

"Is this your house, Etta?" Elijah broke her out of her reverie. Marietta nodded, and Elijah pulled in front of the big wooden house. They all got out as Elijah helped Marietta with her bags. She gives him an uncertain look before turning to Cami.

"My offer stands. You can stay with me, both of you." Cami gave her a sad smile, but shook her head.

"I don't think I can." Marietta nodded slowly.

"So I take it, your answer is no, as well." She asked Elijah, who met her eye level. She nodded again.

"You both have my number." She told them, "Please use it. My offer will always stand." She sat her bags down, and turned to Cami. Walking over slowly, she cupped her cheek.

"I want you to know you are one of the most beautiful people I have ever met. I know why Klaus loved you, it's the things that I have grown to love about you." She then gives Elijah a furtive look before turning back to Cami, "I'm going to miss you."

"And I you." Cami's voice was a whisper. Marietta gave a small smile before leaning in and kissing Cami on the lips. Her lips were soft and warm, and Cami liked it more than she thought she would.

"Elijah. I'm glad I got to see you again, and I'm going to miss your grumpy ass." Elijah chuckled and she leaned up to give him a small kiss as well. Cami raised her eyebrows. Talk about strange situations.

"I'm going to miss you both." All three of their eyes are watering, and Marietta picked up her bags to quickly go inside before she could fully cry.

And Cami did cry as they headed to Athens.

She knew that the fantasy was going to end, and eventually she would have to face reality. They both would.

Had they healed enough to be able to face reality? Or was life simply going to throw them into it.

Cami knew they were going to find out, anyways.